People who are truly happy in life usually share these 7 traits

Happiness is not a destination, but a journey.

It’s not about chasing fleeting moments of joy, but cultivating a deep sense of contentment that permeates every aspect of our lives.

Truly happy people understand this. They don’t seek happiness in external circumstances or other people’s approval but find it within themselves. Their happiness is not dependent on what they have, but on who they are.

Interestingly, these individuals tend to share certain traits. Traits that reflect their inner peace, resilience, and authenticity. And the good news is, these traits can be cultivated by anyone.

Let’s explore these seven traits typically found in people who are genuinely happy in life.

1) Embrace authenticity

Happiness, in its truest sense, is not a mask we put on for the world to see. It’s a state of being that comes from living authentically, being true to ourselves amidst societal pressures and expectations.

Happy people understand this.

They embrace their uniqueness and live in alignment with their deepest values. They don’t seek approval or validation from others, but find satisfaction in being true to who they are.

This doesn’t mean they are immune to self-doubt or fear.

Instead, they confront these emotions head-on, using them as catalysts for personal growth and self-awareness.

One of the most liberating moments in life is when we stop trying to be someone we’re not and start embracing who we truly are. It’s like shedding a heavy burden that we’ve been carrying for too long.

Authenticity is not always easy. It requires courage, self-awareness, and resilience. But the reward – genuine happiness – is well worth the effort.

2) Cultivate resilience

Life is a mix of highs and lows, successes and failures, joy and sorrow. This is a universal truth we all can relate to.

However, truly happy people have an incredible ability to weather life’s storms with resilience and grace.

Resilient people learn to navigate through life’s difficulties. They develop the inner strength to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward, no matter what.

I have had my share of challenging times. But each time I fell, I learned to pick myself up, dust off the disappointment, and move forward with renewed vigor and wisdom.

It’s in these moments of struggle that we discover our true potential.

Resilience is like a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it gets. And just like physical workouts, building emotional resilience requires consistent effort and practice.

3) Foster self-love

At the heart of genuine happiness is an unshakeable sense of self-love. People who are truly happy have a deep appreciation for themselves, flaws and all.

They understand that they are deserving of love and respect, not because of their achievements or external validation, but simply because they exist.

Self-love is not about being narcissistic or self-centered. It’s about acknowledging our inherent worth and treating ourselves with kindness and compassion. It’s about:

  • Setting healthy boundaries
  • Prioritizing our well-being
  • Making choices that align with our true selves

One transformative method I’ve found effective in cultivating self-love is a mirror exercise featuring five powerful questions. The questions are designed to help you enhance your relationship with yourself and gain a deeper understanding of your inner strengths.

You can learn more about this exercise in my video:

YouTube video

By practicing this mirror exercise regularly, you can boost your self-confidence and foster a profound sense of self-love – a critical trait shared by truly happy individuals.

If you find value in these insights and want to dive deeper into living a life filled with purpose and freedom, I invite you to join our community on YouTube.

Here, I share more about my journey and provide practical tools for personal growth. Click here to subscribe and join over 20,000 others committed to living authentically.

4) Embrace adversity

Life is not always sunshine and rainbows. There are times when it tests us with storms and hurricanes.

The path to true happiness involves acknowledging and embracing these adversities rather than running away from them.

People who are genuinely happy understand that obstacles and setbacks are not hindrances but opportunities for growth and learning. They don’t see failure as a dead-end, but as feedback, a stepping stone to improve, adapt, and evolve.

I believe in the significance of this process because it aligns with one of my core beliefs – that every challenge contains within it the seeds of creative possibility. It’s about transforming problems into opportunities and turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

When we embrace adversity, we learn to navigate life’s complexities with resilience and courage.

We become more capable of creating the lives we desire, fostering a deep sense of happiness that remains unshaken even during the toughest storms.

5) Choose empathy over judgment

We live in a world where it’s easy to pass judgment on others based on their actions, choices, or lifestyle.

However, those who are truly happy understand the power of empathy over judgment.

Replacing judgment with empathy means trying to understand people from their point of view, recognizing that everyone is fighting their own battles. 

This approach aligns with my belief in the fundamental dignity and worth of every individual.

It’s not always easy. There are times when it feels raw and uncomfortable to extend empathy, particularly when we disagree with someone’s actions or beliefs.

But replacing judgment with empathy does not mean condoning harmful behaviors. Instead, it’s about seeing the person behind the behavior and acknowledging their inherent worth.

This shift in perspective fosters deeper connections, reduces conflict, and contributes to our own happiness.

For those struggling with judgment and seeking to cultivate empathy, my video on giving up the idea of constantly being a “good person” may provide some insights:

YouTube video

In this video, I discuss how holding on to the ideal of being a “good person” can lead to internal criticism, judgment of others, and makes us easily manipulated. Letting go of this ideal fosters a more authentic, fulfilling life filled with genuine connections and happiness.

6) Embrace solitude

In a world that glorifies busyness, constant socializing, and staying connected, the idea of embracing solitude might seem unusual.

Yet, those who are genuinely happy understand the profound value of spending time alone.

Solitude provides an opportunity to reflect, recharge and reconnect with ourselves. It allows us to nurture our inner life, free from external influences and distractions.

This doesn’t mean isolating ourselves or shunning social connections.

On the contrary, it’s about balancing our need for social interaction with our need for inner peace and self-awareness. By spending time alone, we become more attuned to our thoughts, feelings, and desires.

This aligns with my belief in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth.

Solitude provides a space for introspection – to confront our fears, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion. It’s in these quiet moments that we often find clarity, creativity, and a deeper sense of happiness.

7) Practice gratitude

In the constant pursuit of more – more success, more wealth, more possessions – it’s easy to overlook what we already have.

Yet, one common trait among truly happy people is their practice of gratitude.

Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset, a way of looking at the world. It’s about acknowledging the good in our lives and appreciating the simple joys and blessings we often take for granted.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or difficulties. Rather, it’s about choosing to focus on the positives, even in the midst of adversity.

This shift in perspective can have a profound impact on our overall happiness.

Remember, happiness is not about having what we want, but appreciating what we have. By practicing gratitude regularly, we can cultivate a deep sense of contentment and joy that permeates every aspect of our lives.

Unlocking your happiness blueprint

The traits shared by truly happy people are not exclusive or unattainable. They are inherent capacities that reside within all of us, waiting to be tapped into. By strengthening these traits in ourselves, we can unlock our happiness blueprint.

So I invite you to ponder this: What steps can you take today to cultivate these traits and embark on your journey towards true happiness?

If you’re interested in exploring these concepts further and joining a community committed to personal growth and authenticity, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Here, I delve deeper into these ideas and share tools to help you live a life of purpose and freedom.

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.

Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. As the co-founder of Ideapod, The Vessel, and a director at Brown Brothers Media, Justin has spearheaded platforms that significantly contribute to personal and collective growth. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

8 signs that someone is actually a very self-centered person (even if they don’t realize it)

8 signs you’re cognitively sharper than the average person, according to psychology